A fall on deck, a swinging load, or a piece of equipment can cause a head injury in seconds. You may feel able to keep working, but symptoms can appear later. Report the injury and seek medical care promptly. Once your immediate needs are addressed, document the accident and learn which maritime protections may apply to your work.
Why Head Injuries Offshore Are So Dangerous
A head injury is especially concerning when you are far from a hospital. The crew may need time to arrange transport for a full medical evaluation. Meanwhile, dizziness or confusion can make it unsafe to work around machinery, climb ladders, or move across a vessel.
Concussion symptoms may also appear hours or days after the injury, so feeling well enough to finish a shift does not rule out a problem.1
Common Causes of Head Injuries at Sea
Head injuries can occur during routine work or a major accident. Common causes include:
- Slipping on a wet or obstructed deck and striking your head
- Being hit by a falling tool, cargo, or unsecured object
- Being struck by a swinging load or moving equipment
- Becoming caught in or struck by machinery
- Being thrown or struck during an explosion
Steps to Take After a Head Injury at Sea
After a blow to the head, focus on getting medical care first. Document what happened as soon as you are able.
- Stop working and tell someone what happened. Notify the captain, a supervisor, or another crew member. If you cannot report the injury yourself, ask a coworker to do it for you.
- Request medical attention. Tell the person assessing you about the impact and every symptom you notice. If emergency care or evacuation is recommended, follow that guidance.
- Make sure the incident is documented. Give your employer an accurate account of when and where the injury occurred. Request a copy of the incident report, and do not guess about details you cannot remember.
- Preserve records. Keep medical records, work restrictions, receipts, and communications with your employer or its insurer. Photograph the scene if you can do so safely, and write down the names of witnesses.
- Attend follow-up appointments. Tell your doctor about new or worsening symptoms. Ask for written instructions about when you can return to your duties.
Warning Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury, even when a clinician describes it as mild. You do not have to lose consciousness to have one. Signs of concussion may begin immediately or develop later. Watch for:1
- Headache, dizziness, or balance problems
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred vision or sensitivity to light and noise
- Confusion, trouble concentrating, or memory problems
- Unusual fatigue or changes in sleep
- Irritability, anxiety, or other changes in mood
Get emergency medical help if you have a worsening headache, repeated vomiting, a seizure, slurred speech, weakness, increasing confusion, or difficulty waking up.2 If you are still aboard, alert the crew immediately. Even when head injury symptoms seem mild, get evaluated and follow the medical advice you receive.
Your Legal Rights as an Injured Maritime Worker
The maritime law that applies depends on your job and your connection to a vessel. An injury offshore does not, by itself, establish which benefits or claims are available.
If you qualify as a seaman, you may be entitled to maintenance and cure for an injury sustained while serving a vessel. Maintenance helps cover living expenses while you cannot work, and cure covers necessary medical treatment. These benefits generally do not require proof that your employer caused the injury. Cure ordinarily continues until you reach maximum medical improvement.
You may also have a Jones Act claim if your employer’s negligence caused or contributed to your injury. The facts might involve unsafe equipment, inadequate training, or a hazard the employer failed to address. A Jones Act claim is separate from maintenance and cure.
Some maritime workers, including certain longshore and shipyard employees, may instead qualify for medical and disability benefits under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. That law has its own rules for injury notice and filing a claim. If you work on an offshore platform or oil rig, your duties and the type of structure also matter when determining your rights.
Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Health and Your Claim
After a head injury, avoid making decisions based on the assumption that you will feel better by the next shift. Common mistakes include:
- Downplaying symptoms. Tell your medical provider about everything you experience, including problems with memory, sleep, or concentration.
- Failing to report the injury. Report it as soon as you are able, and keep a record of when and how you did so.
- Missing follow-up care. Continued head injury treatment gives your doctor a chance to assess changing symptoms and document work restrictions.
- Giving a recorded statement before getting advice. If an insurer requests one, consider speaking with a maritime attorney first, especially if your memory of the accident is unclear.
- Signing documents you do not understand. Ask for copies and legal advice before signing a release, settlement, or statement about your injury.
How Schechter, Shaffer & Harris Helps Injured Maritime Workers
Schechter, Shaffer & Harris has handled maritime injury cases for more than 45 years and recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for clients. Our experienced maritime attorneys can examine how the accident happened, identify the law that applies to your work, and address disputes over medical care or benefits.
If you suffered a head injury at sea, contact our maritime injury lawyers or call 800-836-5830 for a free consultation. We can help you understand your options while you focus on your medical care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first after a head injury on a ship overseas?
Stop working, alert the captain or a supervisor, and request medical attention. Tell the person assessing you about the impact and any symptoms, even if they seem minor. Follow medical guidance about emergency treatment or evacuation, and make sure the incident is reported once you are able.
How long do symptoms of a traumatic brain injury take to appear?
Some traumatic brain injury symptoms appear immediately, while others take hours or days to develop. Changes in sleep or mood may become noticeable later in recovery. Seek medical evaluation after the injury and tell your provider about any new symptoms.
How long does it take to recover from a head injury at sea?
The TBI recovery timeline varies with the injury and your symptoms. Follow the head injury protocol your medical team gives you, attend follow-up appointments, and get clearance before returning to physically demanding duties. Tell your doctor if symptoms persist or change during recovery.
Who pays for my medical treatment if I get a head injury offshore?
A qualifying seaman may be entitled to cure, which covers necessary medical treatment for an injury sustained while serving a vessel. Eligible workers covered by the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act may receive medical benefits under that law. The answer depends on your work and the circumstances of the injury.
Do I have to report a head injury to my employer or captain?
Report the injury as soon as you are able, even if you have no immediate symptoms. Prompt reporting alerts the crew to your need for care and creates a record of when and how the accident happened. Seek urgent medical help first if your condition requires it.
Can I file a Jones Act claim for a head injury sustained at sea?
You may have a Jones Act claim if you qualify as a seaman and your employer’s negligence caused or contributed to your injury. The location of the accident alone does not establish eligibility. A maritime attorney can review your duties, your connection to the vessel, and the circumstances of the accident.
Sources
- CDC. Symptoms of Mild TBI and Concussion.
- Mayo Clinic. Concussion.
